Almost at the same time, Tsukiyama Shuu stepped out from the grand gates with a smile, spreading his arms in welcome. "Welcome to my restaurant, Hiro-san."
His smile was warm and elegant.
Amano Hiro gave a slight nod in response.
"Please follow me." Tsukiyama Shuu personally led the way through the spacious and luxurious front hall. He summoned two beautiful maids and instructed, "Take good care of my honored guest."
Amid the maids' respectful replies, Tsukiyama Shuu turned to Amano Hiro. "Please allow me to excuse myself briefly to confirm the final preparations. We shall meet again shortly."
"This way, honored guest," one of the maids said softly, guiding Amano Hiro into a finely decorated guest room. "Please bathe and change first."
Amano Hiro raised an eyebrow slightly. He had not expected such an elaborate process before dining.
The two maids stepped forward and gently removed his outer garments.
Amano Hiro did not refuse. He had never experienced such full-service maid attendance before, so he was content to enjoy it for once.
The bathroom was extremely spacious. A massive bathtub had already been prepared with hot water, steam curling in the air.
However, he did not soak in the bath and instead chose a quick shower. In less than five minutes, he emerged refreshed.
By then, the maids had prepared a change of clothes. One held a refined suit that looked exceedingly expensive, while the other carried a soft towel.
They carefully dried his body and assisted him into the well-tailored suit.
Amano Hiro walked casually to the full-length mirror. The reflection drew a hint of satisfaction to his eyes.
Clothes truly made the man. Already exceptionally handsome, Amano Hiro looked even more upright and striking in the fitted suit, his figure accentuated to perfection. His overall appearance now approached the lofty level of the esteemed reader.
After the maids' meticulous grooming, he appeared completely renewed.
"Sir, your mask." A maid respectfully handed him his signature mask.
After putting it on properly, Amano Hiro followed the maid to an elegantly decorated reception room to rest briefly.
Soon, a server brought him a cup of coffee. The aroma was clearly different from the ordinary coffee he usually drank.
It likely contained some "special ingredients." Amano Hiro took a light sip. The taste was indeed excellent.
"How much longer until it begins?" he asked the staff member standing respectfully nearby.
"The banquet has already begun. Please follow me."
The server answered respectfully and led him into an inconspicuous small room, where he stood upon a circular platform in the center.
A low mechanical hum sounded beneath his feet, and the ceiling above slowly opened into a circular exit.
The platform rose steadily like a private elevator, carrying him upward.
When it stopped, the server guided him out. Before him was a vast space resembling an arena, laid out in a square formation.
Amano Hiro now stood on the second floor, enjoying an excellent view. Around the circular area of the same level, many ghoul guests wearing various masks had already gathered.
Below, the massive ground floor was stained with dark, mottled blood, forming a stark and glaring contrast to the luxury above.
The lights had not yet fully illuminated the space, leaving it in dimness. But this posed no obstacle for the ghouls present.
Several spotlights suddenly pierced the darkness, beams crisscrossing the arena before finally converging on a three-tiered platform in the center.
A host wearing a white mask appeared under the intense light, holding a microphone.
"Thank you all for waiting."
He drew out his tone dramatically. "This is today's main course."
The beams shifted, sharply illuminating a young man who had been pushed to the center of the arena. He looked bewildered and panicked as he glanced around.
The host continued in a deliberately provocative tone. "Today's main course is quite special. It is one of our own. A ghoul."
Murmurs instantly spread through the audience.
"A ghoul?"
"I am not fond of eating our own kind."
"This program is specially provided by Mr. MM." the host announced loudly.
The spotlight moved again, precisely landing on a private viewing balcony on the second floor.
Tsukiyama Shuu stood elegantly in the light, with a graceful woman on each arm. He took the invisible microphone and began his speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen. The flesh of ordinary ghouls is coarse and hardly worth tasting.
With your refined understanding of cuisine, you surely understand that what I value is his unique scent."
He spread his arms wide, his tone growing more impassioned. "Though he is a ghoul, he emits a rich and pure human fragrance.
Are you not curious? A ghoul who carries the aroma of a human. What kind of taste would that be?
It will bring unprecedented stimulation to our sense of smell and taste. Come. Let us enjoy this ultimate delicacy together."
As his words fell, the lights blazed on, harsh white brilliance illuminating every corner like daylight.
"Next," the host's voice rang out again, "please welcome today's executioner."
At the edge of the arena, a heavy iron door slowly rose with a dull grinding sound.
A figure stepped out.
He was a giant nearly three meters tall, with an abnormally massive build. A red hood covered his head, the eye sockets deeply sunken like two dark hollows.
He carried an enormous saw over his shoulder, several gleaming knives hanging at his waist.
The giant strode to the center of the arena and let out a loud belch. His muffled voice came from beneath the hood. "Please take care of me."
He shook the massive saw in his hand. "Saw and saw... saw you apart."
Muttering as he walked, he approached the already terrified "ingredient."
Amano Hiro frowned as he watched the scene unfold, though a storm was brewing within him.
Tsukiyama Shuu's earlier description clearly pointed to the traits of an artificial ghoul. It was identical to how he had once introduced Kaneki Ken in the anime.
But the person below was definitely not Kaneki Ken. It was a completely unfamiliar face, one that had never appeared in the original story.
Rize has already been saved by me. That means Kichimura Washuu has found a new experimental host.
Leaning against the cold metal railing, Amano Hiro took a deep breath.
But suitable hosts were not so easy to find.
Ordinary ghouls were useless. Those who could serve as hosts were usually strong, beyond Kichimura Washuu's ability to control. Had he obtained a new candidate from the Washuu Clan again?
While his thoughts raced, the dismemberment in the arena was already complete.
This "ingredient" had none of the protagonist's fortune. He did not even get the chance to display a ghoul's power before meeting his end.
A waiter carrying an exquisite silver tray approached Amano Hiro, interrupting his thoughts.
On the tray lay a small piece of bloody meat, emitting a peculiar fragrance.
"Please enjoy," the waiter said respectfully.
Amano Hiro looked at the piece of meat without any discomfort or rejection.
He gently pierced it with a silver fork and placed it into his mouth. The taste was indeed unique, blending the freshness of a human's vitality with the distinct energy texture of a ghoul.
After the banquet, I need to ask Tsukiyama Shuu where he obtained this person. he decided inwardly.
Once the guests had finished tasting, Tsukiyama Shuu's voice rang through the hall again. "Everyone, how was the flavor? Did it feel... refreshing?"
Mixed sounds of approval and lingering enjoyment rose from the surrounding ghouls.
Just when everyone thought the feast was about to conclude, Tsukiyama Shuu spoke again. "Please remain patient. The main course has been served. Now, let us savor an exquisite dessert."
Another mechanism sounded at the center of the arena. An opening appeared, accompanied by the clattering noise of a lift operating, and another figure was raised up.
"This dessert is human," Tsukiyama Shuu's voice carried a hint of playfulness.
"But among humans, the taste is also considered exceptionally exquisite. Please... enjoy."
The arena once again erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
However, the moment Amano Hiro clearly saw the figure, he suddenly grabbed the railing beside him, his pupils contracting sharply.